Grief - By Asma Manzoor

Written By: Asma Manzoor

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Asma Manzoor shares a deeply personal and moving piece titled "Grief," entered in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant reflection on the nature of loss and the enduring presence of memories invites readers into an intimate space of emotion and introspection. With a focus on the subtle, ongoing experience of grief, Asma's work resonates with anyone who has felt the profound impact of losing a loved one.

About the Work

"Grief" by Asma Manzoor delves into the nuanced and often misunderstood journey through loss. The poem captures the quiet, pervasive nature of grief, contrasting the dramatized portrayals often seen in media. Through vivid imagery and honest reflection, Asma conveys the lingering presence of her grandmother's memory, emphasizing that grief is an ever-present companion rather than a momentary outburst. Her use of simple yet powerful language creates a heartfelt exploration of the enduring process of mourning.

Grief

Original Submission by Asma Manzoor

Grief

“Your grandmother is dead.”

“She didn't make it.”

That’s what I heard walking down the stairs into the living room.

My brain blanked.

“My grandma is dead,” I thought.

I wandered around the house, not a single thought or feeling occupying my head.

Looking back at it now, that’s what I'd imagine a zombie to be like,

Numb.

There were family members crying, and people preparing for a funeral.

I was lost, just drifting along thinking this was a nightmarish hallucination.

An older family member came up to me and said, “You do know your grandmother is dead right? Why aren’t you crying?”

I didn’t know why.

I knew I should've.

My grandmother just died for goodness sake.

But I couldn’t.

I was floating halfway out of reality.

I can tell you now, grief isn’t how it is in the movies.

It doesn’t hit all at once in some gutwrenching, heartbroken sob.

Grief looks like going through milestones in your life and realizing they’re not there to celebrate it with you anymore.

Grief is in all the nights you lay awake, replaying all the moments you had together, keeping their memories alive.

Grief is in all the hard times, knowing their comfort is out of reach.

Grief is when you see their favorite flower, or hear their favorite song, tainted with the bittersweet feeling of never enjoying it with them again.

Grief creeps up on you.

It never waits for convenience.

It never fully goes away.

People tell you that you will heal.

But that pain never disappears.

Instead the only thing you can do is make peace with that fact.

My grandma died when I was 12.

I will forever miss her more every day.

Every day I remember her,

I’m back to being the 12 year old little girl who couldn’t cry.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebrated platform for writers worldwide to express their creativity and share their unique voices. This prestigious event showcases diverse literary works, providing participants with an opportunity to connect with audiences through the universal language of art and storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Asma Manzoor for sharing her evocative poem "Grief" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a meaningful dimension to the event, reminding us of the power of words to convey deep-seated emotions. We are grateful for her contribution and the insight she offers into the universal experience of loss.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.